Training trichiasis surgeons: ensuring quality

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set 2020 as the target for the global elimination of blinding trachoma as a public health problem. To achieve this goal, more than 7 million trachomatous trichiasis (TT) operations are needed.1 Poor post-operative outcomes are a significant barrier, as they reduce the number of patients who are willing to come for treatment. High-quality, highvolume surgery is needed to reach the WHO target,2 and this begins with highquality training. The WHO endorses two procedures for the correction of trichiasis and the WHO manual Trichiasis Surgery for Trachoma3 (commonly referred to as the ‘yellow manual’) provides specifi c training guidelines for these procedures. This article is intended to provide general guidance for national programmes on training to encourage high-quality surgery. Attention to the following core aspects will help to ensure high-quality outcomes.